Humber Is Set to Start Wednesday

By THE NEW YORK TIMES

Published: September 24, 2007

The rookie right-hander Philip Humber will make his first major league start Wednesday when the Mets play host to Washington.

Since being called up from Class AAA New Orleans on Sept. 1, Humber has made two relief appearances.

''We hope he's real sharp,'' Manager Willie Randolph said of Humber, who appeared twice in relief last season for two innings. ''Go out there and throw a gem.''

On Sept. 5, Humber pitched two innings against Cincinnati, and on Sept. 11, he pitched one inning against Atlanta. He has allowed one run and three hits with two strikeouts.

''Now I've got my chance,'' Humber, 24, said Sunday as he struggled to keep a smile off his face. ''I was hoping for it. I knew there was an open date. It didn't really surprise me. It was something I was really excited to hear.''

Humber, who was selected for the start over Dave Williams, threw three innings of a simulated game Saturday against minor leaguers in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

''I felt really sharp,'' he said. ''I've got a full year of experience under my belt. I'm confident in all three of my pitches.''

At New Orleans, Humber was 11-9 with a 4.27 earned run average.

In the first two games of the series against the Nationals, the Mets' starters will be Mike Pelfrey and Tom Glavine.